Galations #1: Jesus Did Everything

September 29, 2024

Pastor Patrick presented today's message, "Galations #1: Jesus Did Everything." Here's a video of the message.

I'm a behaviorist. What matters is what we do, not what we think. Thinking matters only in the sense that it leads you to action. I can't read your mind. And I know that humans are capable of unlimited amounts of rationalization. But, I can see what you do without any doubt.

We use various words and phrases to indicate that we are followers of someone or something, including: follow, believe in, trust, have faith in, commit to, etc. In the opening chapter of Galatians, Paul uses the phrase "servant of" Christ.

So how do we know that we're following Jesus or not? I think the only objective truth that might answer that question is your behavior. And by objective truth, I mean anything, e.g. behaviors (including speech), open to observation by anyone present with their five senses (including instruments and equipment that augment those five senses).

What does it mean to follow a guide on a hike? It means you literally follow in his footsteps. It means you don't touch what he says not to touch. It means you bring with you the items he told you to bring.

What does it mean to follow a coach? It means you do what he says to do. You prepare as he tells you to prepare with exercise, diet, books, watching film, etc. If he says "run taller," you run taller. If he says no sex before the game, you don't have sex before the game.

What does it mean to follow a director, a teacher, a parent - any of these people? It means you take to heart what they say and what they ask you to do, in and out of their presence. And you do those things, in and out of their presence.

There's simply no other way for others to know who or what you're following. And if you're honest with yourself, there's no other way for you to know for sure if you're following what you say your following.

Likewise, there's no way for us humans to know if we're following Jesus, trusting in Jesus, a servant of Jesus, other than by observing how we behave. By what we do.

And if we profess to be a follower of Jesus, it's how we act that reflects on Him.

So then, how do we know what it is to behave like a follower of Jesus? This is where Old Testament teachings become indispensable. There are plenty of New Testament teachings that are helpful as well, but many of those are references to the original Old Testament teachings. And, the risk of Christians in any way dismissing the importance of the Old Testament is high.

Below are some articles one may read about the importance of the Old Testament for Christians. There are lots more if you search for them.

10 Reasons the Old Testament Is Important for Christians

What Value Is the Old Testament to the Christian Life?

12 Reasons Every Christian Should Study the Old Testament

How Does the Old Testament Law Apply to Christians Today?

5 Reasons We Still Need the Old Testament Today

Old Testament Laws: Which Old Testament Laws Apply to Christians Today? – Introduction

Bonus

The Meaning of Hallelujah

I got a fascinating email from The Isaiah Projects about the word Hallelujah. I started taking notes and soon realized I was noting everything. So let me simply point you to their content: The Meaning of Hallelujah.

Here's their mission: "The Isaiah Projects is a ministry dedicated to creating and providing specific tools that will help Christians discover the Hebraic roots of their faith." Amen! Or should I say, אָמֵן (aw-mane)!

Bonus2

Do Not Fear

"Do not fear" is one of the most often used phrases in the Old Testament. It even pops up in the New Testament now and then, as in the angels to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news..." (Luke 2:10).

Is there anything the Bible tells us to fear? Yes! God. If you fear God, that is, worry about what He thinks, then you won't fear man nearly as much.

I did reference an article previously on this topic: “Have no fear! Do not be afraid!” by Fr. Felix Just.

A recent Prager Fireside Chat addressed this issue. I'll let Prager do the talking: Episode 360 (starting at 9:27).

Other topics in the above Chat are worth listening to as well:

When Did Self-Defense Become a "War Crime"?
Live Fully, Don't Avoid Pain
Why Make a Family in Bad Times?
God's Word Versus Social Norms
Raise Daughters Differently Than Sons?
How to Battle Complacency
How Do Germans say "Like"? (one of Prager's favorite words)
Watch PragerU's "The Void"
Coming Soon: Rational Bible: Numbers (November 19, 2024)